Points Shared In Goalless Draw For Real Bedford Women
By Louie Truman
Real Bedford Women played out a 0-0 draw away at Hashtag United. The Pirates created plenty of chances but were unable to find the breakthrough.
The Pirates started the game well, with defensive solidity which limited Hashtag’s chances on goal. Lane had a bright start as a Pirate, creating multiple chances with crosses into the box. In the 16th minute, Bryant made a great pass to Wood, but she couldn’t get a shot away.
Goalkeeper Meale was called into action in the 17th minute, having to come off her line and make an excellent save. Just minutes later, it was a good partnership from Bryant and Lane, who created another opportunity in the box.
The Pirates continued to apply pressure, and Wood managed to make a great pass to Lane, who crossed another ball into the box, which forced a save from the Hashtag goalkeeper. Wood continued to remain a threat; she had a shot which went wide.
Second Half
Real Bedford started the second half well, Wood had a shot on target which the Hashtag United goalkeeper saved. However, the hosts had a positive spell. Meale had to make a save as Hashtag curled the ball around a defender towards goal, and Meale was forced into another save just minutes later.
Both sides continued to search for the equaliser, and Charlie Bill made his first change of the game with new signing Lily Whitelock coming on to replace Izzy Lane. Real Bedford continued to create opportunities, but they were unable to find the back of the net; Mehmet took a shot from distance, but it narrowly missed the goal. After three minutes of stoppage time, the game finished 0-0, and the points were shared.
In his post-match interview, Bill said:
“It was a tough one, I don’t think it was near what we wanted it to be, I think it was our use of the ball today, we were really poor, against a side that are quite aggressive, I thought we didn’t use the ball well enough, and ultimately that’s why we didn’t create the level of chances we wanted too.”
Next up for the Pirates is a County Cup Semi-Final away at Luton Town Ladies, on Sunday 15th February.
Lineup: Meale, Williams, Stovold, Warren, Puddick, Rush, Wood (Baker 88’), Mehmet, Bryant, Grant, Lane (Whitelock 65’)
Unused subs: Cunnison, Herd
Hashtag United 0-0 Real Bedford
Sunday 8th February
Kick-off: 3pm
Location: Parkside
